Watford City Hall of Fame Class of 2025 announced
By Titus Stenberg
Special to The Farmer
The Watford City Hall of Fame Class of 2025 was announced on Tuesday, May 20. This year’s inductees are:
1967 Symphonic Band - Watford City High School’s first ever Governor’s Band - one of the highest honors that a musical organization can receive. Governor William Guy made the presentation at a concert in Watford City.
1985 Watford City Football Team - Undefeated Class B State Champions. The Wolves beat Stanley, Velva and Cavalier in the postseason to claim their fifth State Class B Title in football. They outscored their opponents 398-82.
1986 Watford City Football Team - Undefeated Class B State Champions. The Wolves beat Stanley, Belfield and Cavalier in the postseason to claim their sixth State Class B Title in football. They outscored their opponents 528-54.
Christine (Bruins) Schmaltz - Played basketball, volleyball, ran track and cross country, graduated in 2006. She won eight state championships for the Wolves and set school records in the 100M, 200M, 400M, 800M, and 1,600M relay. Christine competed at NDSU and won a couple of Summit League titles in the 800M.
Rick Jore - Wrestler, graduated in 1991. Won two state championships and placed at state five times. Rick was named the first Class B Mr. Wrestler in 1991 and was a five-time Region champion. After graduating from NDSU, Rick spent decades coaching as a volunteer for youth wrestling programs. He also served as assistant varsity wrestling coach for Watford City from 2010-2015. Jore was inducted into the ND Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2022.
Gary Knutson - Played basketball, baseball, and football, graduated in 1960. He was named to the All-Conference basketball team his senior year. Gary played college basketball at UND and Minot State. He taught at Williston High School for 40 years and coached five different sports. Knutson was named WDA Boys Basketball “Coach of the Year” in 1986.
Bill Liebel - Basketball player and statistician, graduated in 1974. From 1980 through 2023, Bill faithfully served as the official scorekeeper for Watford City boys and girls basketball. He was also public address announcer for the Wolves from 2002 through 2020. Bill and his family helped to provide numerous awards banquets for Wolves girls and boys basketball, football, and wrestling teams through the years.
Visit www.watfordcitynd.com and subscribe to the McKenzie County Farmer today!